Engler receives life saving award

It was around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, 2001, and Engler was piloting an airplane above Saginaw Bay, about 20 miles northwest of the Huron County shoreline.

Engler noticed a jet ski occupied by two people drifting. He knew it was dangerous for them to be so far offshore and alone, so he called the Huron County Office of the Sheriff, Marine Division, for assistance.

Sgt. Alan Engler responded by plane, notifying the U.S. Coast Guard and directing a boat from several miles away toward the scene to render assistance. The boat then towed the jet ski to Tawas Bay.

The two occupants had been out for 15 hours and had broken down. They were drifting aimlessly in the bay. They had not been reported missing yet, but they were in harm’s way.

Because of Trever Engler’s vigilance, both people and their jet ski were brought safely to shore.